From Krishen Khanna’s iconic Bandwalla series
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
At the fourth edition of Design Democracy this weekend, which will bring art, design and craft labels to Hyderabad, with the participation of architects and designers, look out for the maiden showcase of Sculpted India at booth C20. Small and large sculptures and installations inspired by the iconic Bandwalla series of paintings by centenarian artist Krishen Khanna, along with sculptures by artists Thota Vaikuntam, MF Husain, Jogen Chowdhury, Dhananjay Singh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, and Yashika Sugandh, will greet visitors.
This will mark the soft launch of Sculpted India. Sanya Malik, curator and director of Black Cube Gallery, who co-founded the initiative with well-known artist Thota Vaikuntam’s son Raj Manohar Thota and Abhivardhan Berry, says the intent is to bring sculptures to the forefront: “Sculpture often remains on the periphery of the art world. It is a powerful medium that people have not had enough opportunity to closely observe or learn about.”
Sculpted India will showcase nearly 50 sculptures across two booths, one celebrating the works of 101-year-old Delhi-based artist Krishen Khanna, and the other featuring works of acclaimed modern and contemporary artists.
A fibreglass sculpture by Thota Vaikuntam
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Sanya reveals that the showcase will feature three-dimensional works inspired by Krishen Khanna’s iconic Bandwalla series of paintings – smaller sculptures 12-inches in height and larger ones of 8-10 feet. The Bandwalla paintings have been synonymous with the artist’s work for over five decades. “The smaller bronze sculptures have patina colours replicating the hues of the paintings, and the larger fibreglass ones use automotive paint colours. These sculptures and installations were designed between 2020 and 2016.”
The Sculpted India showcase will also display brass frescoes by Thota Vaikuntam and Krishen Khanna. The booth dedicated to modern and contemporary masters will showcase kinetic wall sculptures by Yashika Sugandh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi’s popular butterfly motif series, Dhananjay Singh’s nature-inspired sculptures in steel, wire and bronze, Jogen Chowdhury’s popular works titled Couple and Man with a Sitar, apart from standout pieces by Thota Vaikuntam and MF Husain.
Sculpture by Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
In addition, four large outdoor sculptures will look to draw attention.
The curation, Sanya explains, looks to cater to those seeking artworks for their homes and offices, since this is a design-led event. “Sculptures can cross over as objects of design and artwork. Some plan their artworks while designing their homes and highlight them, while others look for paintings and sculptures after designing their spaces. The curation has small and large sculptures to suit varied requirements.”
Following its first showcase at Design Democracy, Sculpted India plans to host its flagship event in Hyderabad in March 2027.
(Design Democracy 2026 will be held at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, September 18 to 20)
Published – September 17, 2026 07:49 am IST
